How do I register to play for a club?

Under The FA's Standard Codes of Rules (2026/27 FA Handbook):

• Your club registers you through The FA's Player Registration System, and the league must approve it before you count as a registered player. Since 2021/22, youth players can only be registered through this system.
• For youth players, the registration includes a current passport-size photo and the club's confirmation that it has checked your proof of date of birth.
• Registrations last one season only, so you're registered again each season.
• Leagues may allow a limited number of players to be registered on a match day if the club emails the league before kick-off; you then can't play again until the full registration is approved.
• Playing while unregistered or ineligible can cost your team points: the points from that match are deducted (up to 12) and the club is fined.

Registering with more than one club

• Youth football: you can only be registered with more than one club in the same league if the teams are in different age groups, or as part of a transfer. You can't play for two teams in the same age group in the same season without transferring.
• Open-age football: you can't register for or play for more than one club in the same league in a season unless you transfer.

Youth leagues can charge a registration fee of up to £10 per player.